MUSQUEAM RESERVE #2 NOTICE
Effective immediately, the following fires are banned within Musqueam Reserve (IR#2):
- Backyard fires (open fire): A fire bigger than 1’8″ (one foot, eight inches) in height and in width and is used by any person for recreational purpose, or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose
- Campfires (semi-closure): A fire bigger than 1’8″ (one foot, eight inches) in height and in width and is used by any person for recreational purpose
- River fires (open fire): Bigger than a backyard fire, close to a dry, grassy area
The only type of fire that is currently permitted is a controlled, propane fire-pit.
This fire ban aligns with BC Wildfire Service‘s restrictions for the Coastal Fire Centre region of the province, which Musqueam is within.
Map of current wildfires in BC
Special permits available for cultural burnings
Update as of July 31, 2024
Musqueam Council and Administration recognizes the importance of cultural burnings to our community, and the additional distress this fire ban causes families who are grieving loved ones.
Together with Musqueam’s Cultural Burners, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS), Musqueam staff developed guidelines that enable families to perform burnings during this campfire ban.
These guidelines require a cultural burning to be approved by Musqueam Council and CAO. Staff will then apply for a special permit from VFRS to perform the burning on a specified date. A safer, temporary site has been approved by Musqueam’s Cultural Burners and cleared to minimize the opportunity for brush fire.
Musqueam Council and Administration extend our deepest condolences to the families and hope these special permits from VFRS enable much needed closure.
Coastal fire prohibitions from BC Wildfire Service
Category 2 and Category 3 open burning, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation, are prohibited across the entire Coastal Fire Centre.
Category 1 campfires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation, are prohibited across the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of the Haida Gwaii Forest District.
In addition, the following is prohibited in the Prohibition Area (as per the Wildfire Act, Section 12):
- Fireworks
- Sky lanterns
- Binary exploding targets
- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
- Air curtain burners
- Chimineas
- Tiki and similar kinds of torches
Prohibitions apply to all public and private land, unless specified otherwise.
Anyone who is found in violation of the fire ban may be issued a violation ticket and risks further financial penalties, especially if the fire causes or contributes to a wildfire.
Information Bulletin from BC Wildfire Service
Effective at 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Friday, July 12, 2024, campfires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, except for the Haida Gwaii Forest District. This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human caused wildfires and protect public safety.
These prohibitions apply to all public and private land within the Coastal Fire Centre jurisdiction, unless specified otherwise in an enactment (e.g., in a local government bylaw). Always check with local government authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in effect. Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited in Haida Gwaii Forest District.
This prohibition will be in place until 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, or until the order is rescinded.
A map of the affected areas is available online.
